Latest news with #CaliforniaStatewidePublicOpinionSurvey
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
City of Sacramento ramps up efforts to prevent distracted driving
( City of Sacramento Police Department is working on its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads. A city spokesperson said the department wants to remind all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward, and keep their hands on the wheel. 'Whether checking a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.' Officials said according to the 2024 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, close to 74 percent of drivers said that distracted driving is caused because of texting and that was their biggest safety concern. In 2022, the survey showed that there were about 148 people who were killed in distracted driving crashes in California. 'Staying focused behind the wheel is something we can all do,' Sacramento Police Sergeant KenCollier said. 'Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an important reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Distracted driving is not only risky; it is deadly. Stay focused, stay alert, and help us keep our roads safe. Sacramento firefighter arrested on rape charges Throughout April, officers will be looking for drivers who violate the state's hands-free cell phone law, officials said. Authorities said, 'Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting, or using an app.' Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by being handed a fine, city officials said. When a driver violates the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense it will result in a point being added to the driver's record. The city has issued some steps drivers can take to stay focused on the road. Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can't reach while driving. Plan: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors, and finish any tasks before you start driving. Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm. Speak up: If you're a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stayfocused. Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop in a safe place before responding. Officials stated that the funding for distracted driving enforcement is being provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Police remind drivers of safety precautions during Distracted Driving Awareness Month
( — As April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, multiple law enforcement agencies throughout northern California are reminding drivers to stay focused, to keep their eyes forward and their hands on the wheel to save lives on the road. Video Above: Sacramento police officers warn about the dangers of distracted driving Authorities warm that checking your phone, eating or adjusting the radio can have devastating consequences. The Stockton Police Department and the Tracy Police Department said they will be actively looking for drivers violating the state's hands-free cellphone law. Elk Grove Police Department expands drone capabilities with new updates The 2024 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey showed that the biggest concern for nearly 74% of drivers surveyed was distracted driving because of texting, 148 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2022 alone, according to officials. The police departments remind drivers they are not allowed to hold a phone while driving or even when stopped at a red light. Both agencies emphasize that using a handheld cellphone while driving is punishable by a fine. Both police departments gave tips on how to avoid distracted driving: • Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can't reach it while driving.• Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors, and finish any tasks before you start driving.• Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road: Avoid eating, grooming, or adjusting controls while driving.• Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm.• Speak up: If you're a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stay focused.• Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop in a safe place before responding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
